2019 Free Agent Pitcher Matt Zurawel

Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?Free Agent – Mzurawel23@gmail.com – I wasn’t sure I could do a conference schedule for 2019 but I can. Played A, AA for Thunder and Smash It/Thunder from 2016-2018

What positions do you play and what is your best position?Pitcher- started in the outfield about 10 years ago and realized I’d rather have a 15ft walk to the dugout if I figured out a knuckleball

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?Had the opportunity to play with Helmer and Reyna at a winter worlds early in my career and I’ll say they’re the two best at their craft respectively.

Why do you like the game of softball?Competitive nature, the ability to see the country and enjoy what you do along with making a ton of friends

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?Gregg Tavella

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?Z – my last name starts with a Z

Where do you call home?Long Island, NY

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?Family and Friends… umpiring local tourneys also.

What do you do for a living?Pharmaceutical Sales Rep

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?Baseball, Ice Hockey and Golf

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?Started playing league night with my Dad, hooked on to a local d team and improved my game till I made it to the conference. My ability to play at the highest level is all thanks to Seth Green, phenomenal individual and does whatever it takes to keep his players happy and productive.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?Harder to get guys out and the strike zone is much more consistent at the conference level

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?Travis Clark – I have talked to him a good amount about pitching and where to improve.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?Unfortunately losing the A worlds but making the 'A' All World team along with playing Major in 2017 with some great veterans of the game

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?My Dad…he had a love for the game and he passed that on to me.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?Work hard, know the right people and shine when it matters.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?CT FIRECRACKER

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?Chattanoooooga